What are your opinions on vehicles with stick shifters on the column (also known as 3 on the tree).?

15 Answers

They tend to be problematic. A cable in the system is prone to stretching and loosening. There is less 'feel' than a stick on the floor. Even stick shifts with rods and joints are superior. But nothing beats direct into the 'box.

Most of them did NOT use a cable, rather mechanical links that can wear over time & need minor adjustment. One link controlled by movement up & down the column moved between the selector forks within the gearbox, the other link (moving parallel with the wheel) moved the selected fork to engage the desired gear. Dont think there have been any new models out since the late 60s. ( There were also 4 on the tree by a number of manufacturers)

My first car was a 57 Chevy with a 3 on the tree. They are easy to drive but there is much more linkage between the shifter and transmission. Today because of steering column locks and it actually being cheaper and easier to put it on the floor that's where they are put.

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